Financial Planning & Analysis Welcomes Sara Tatum

Sara & Bear

Earlier this May, Sara Tatum joined the UVAFinance Team as a Senior Financial Analyst within the Office of Financial Planning & Analysis.  Tatum brings a wealth of experience to her new role, including work in the Virginia Department of Planning & Budget as well as the Virginia Department of Education, along with a service-focused perspective. 

Tatum's career path has been impressive and diverse.  After working successfully in finance for several years, she earned a master's degree in 2011 that allowed her to pursue her dream of becoming a school librarian.  She thoroughly enjoyed a five-year stint as a librarian at the Richmond City Public Schools and Henrico County Public Schools, working closely with students to develop reading and comprehension skills as well as research acumen. 

As her family grew, Tatum rekindled her interest in the financial field, finding it a better fit for their needs.  She spent the following eight years honing her skills in the Department of Planning & Budget until she realized she was ready for a fresh challenge and was drawn to UVA.

Tatum is enthusiastic about her first foray into higher education. At UVA, she will dive into University-wide finances as well as continue to interface with the state on our behalf.   Her extensive state experience, as well as her commitment to working with others in a teaching capacity, will undoubtedly be useful in her new role.  

"I'm excited to learn how higher education operates from within," says Tatum.  "It will be so interesting to understand the intricacies of a Tier 3 university like UVA."

Outside of her professional life, Tatum is a dedicated family person. She lives in Richmond with her husband, Nathan, and their two children, Abby (8) and Andrew (5). Their family enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it’s cheering at the little league park during baseball season or hitting the trails for hiking and skiing adventures. She is also taking on the role of Girl Scout Troop Leader for her daughter’s troop, adding another exciting facet to her life. The family's dog Bear rounds out the group.